Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-09-17
WITH HIS OWN WEAPONS.
BY ISABELLA VERNON.

"What are you thinking about
Maude? You have not spoken woro
for five minutes. can't say that YOU
are remarkably entertaining this even
ing"
@Am not? And do you really wish
to know my thoughts?"
Certainly [ do"
every well, then. No woman is
satisfied with mans devotion, even If
she knows it to be genuine, if he ap-
pears to slight her in the presence Of
others; and I think, my dear George,
that I occupied the position OF a
sighted woman last evening, when you
devoted yourself so openly to Clara
Vaughan"
"I only danced with her three times,
said George.
sand sat out three more dances with
her." supplemented Maude, while l,
owing to the lack of men, was obliged
to play the part of wall-iower. Do
you think that was pleasant position
for an engaged young woman?"
"My dear child, how plainly you
talk" cried George, Disconnected by
her frank appeal.
"Why not? Pique should not be al
lowed to interfere between lovers-you
know pride's chickens are al expensive
brood to keep. L confess that your
conduct made me very unhappy. 1
was not jealous, remember have
perfect faith in you; but I felt neg
lected, and annoyed that you should
give Clara the opportunity to triumph
over me even in semblance; for she de-
lights in such victories-little coquet
that she is"
"Maude," said George, seeing his
chance and improving it at once, only
too glad to bolster up weak cause,
II am surprised to see that you dislike
Miss Vaughan. Why is it women never
uphold each other? In my opinion she
is a sweet girl. without an atom of
coquetry about her."
"Then you have less discrimination
than I gave you credit for possessing"
rejoined Maude, quietly, though her
deepening color showed that she re-
sented his words. "But we will not
discuss Clara, if you please-I wish to
talk of ourselves"
"What do you want me to do?" cried
George, irritated at the cool way in
which his attack was met. Surely
you would not tie me to your side every
moment of the timer"
"Not one moment of it, sir, if it is
your wish to be free" haughtily ex-
claimed Maude, now really angry.
"You can leave at .cnce-I shall make
no effort to detain YOU"
What nonsense!" the young man re-
joined, in a much humber tone. "You
know I could not live without you,
Maudie. But you are unreasonable; I
can't promise never to speak to another
girl, you know"
"Nor do exact such promise; only
I wish others to see by your conduct
that you have sworn allegiance to me.
1 am only woman, and have all wo-
mans vanity. George, suppose our
positions had been reversed last even
ing; would you have liked to see me as
openly pleased with another mans at
tentions as you were with Clara?"
Certainly I should" he answered,
with an air of virtuous self-denial re-
freshing to see. II would never inter-
fere with your enjoyment in any way
Maude looked deeply perplexed, and
then family smiled.
"You are quite safe in saying that,
because I do not believe there is an
other eligible man in the village. Which
fact probably accounts" she added,
with sly laugh, "for Clara's absorb
ton of YOU"
George bowed
"Thanks for the compliment, Miss
Arthur"
"Not at ALL"
Maude had the sweetest temper in
the world, and her mood was fast re-
gaining its wonted sunuiness.
"Well, George, l won't scold any
more, but we'll make bargain; you
can firt all you choose, give me equal
liberty; are you agreed?"
"On one condition; that neither of
us abuse the privilege"
"The umpires to be our own con-
sciences?"
"Yes."
"Then, my dear George, I'm afraid
your career will be positively reck-
less!"
Maude stood waiting for her lover,
who was to escort her to ball at Bed
ford Hall; and in her rose-colored |
dress, with roses In her dark hair,
looked pretty enough to WOO hermit
nom his secIuslon.
George. who, despite his little pre-
objection for flirting, was very much in
love with the girl, was loud in his adj
miration of her appearance; and when |
the pair entered the hall together,
happiness had lent q new light to |
Maude's beautiful eyes.
Clara Vaughan, o charming little
sylph In blue and silver, came tripping
across the floor to meet them.
sOh, Maude," she cried, when the
first greetings were over, awho do you
think is here - just returned from
London?s
aI'm sure I can't imagine" said
Mauds.
Another pretty girl 2" asked GEORGE.